Mercapto group

Definition

A mercapto group consists of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-SH), functioning as a substituent or side chain in organic compounds. It is the sulfur analogue of the hydroxyl group (-OH) found in alcohols.

Related terms

Thiols: Organic compounds containing a mercapto group, characterized by their strong and often unpleasant smell.

Disulfides: Chemical compounds formed by the linkage of two sulfur atoms from two mercapto groups, commonly found in proteins and contributing to their 3D structure.

Thioether: An ether in which the oxygen atom is replaced by a sulfur atom, showcasing how variations in atomic components can lead to different types of compounds within organic chemistry